Morocco declares end of seven-year drought after winter rains

Morocco's water minister said abundant winter rainfall has ended a seven-year drought, raising the national dam-filling rate to 46% and filling several key reservoirs.

Morocco's government announced that a seven-year drought has ended after abundant winter rains, the water minister said. Rainfall this winter is reported as 95% higher than a year earlier and 17% above the seasonal average. Official data show the average dam-filling rate has risen to 46% and several key reservoirs are now at full capacity. The rains have provided relief to the agricultural sector after years of water restrictions. Key facts: - Water Minister Nizar Baraka told parliament that the drought had come to an end following heavy winter rainfall. - Reported rainfall is up 95% from a year earlier and 17% above the seasonal average. - The national average dam-filling rate has risen to 46%, with several major reservoirs full. - Years of drought had previously depleted dams, reduced the wheat harvest, lowered the national cattle herd, and led to job losses in farming. - Morocco has been accelerating desalination plans and aims to supply 60% of drinking water from treated seawater by 2030, up from about 25%, while keeping dam water for inland regions. Summary: The reported increase in rainfall has replenished many reservoirs and eased pressures on water supplies and agriculture. Officials have highlighted desalination targets as part of longer-term water planning, and the stated policy goal is to increase treated seawater share to 60% of drinking water by 2030.